BRAD Guzan is braced for his first Premier League start this weekend – admitting facing Gabby Agbonlahor and Darren Bent has been perfect preparation.

Despite being at Villa for almost three-and-a-half years, Guzan has yet to be in the claret and blues’ first XI for a top-flight match.

His only Premier League experience ahead of Saturday’s trip to Bolton is substitute appearances in defeats to Liverpool and Manchester United over two years apart.

But, having understudied Brad Friedel for most of his Villa career, the American international is up for the challenge after a rare call to replace established current No.1 Shay Given.

Given is out for a month, meaning the Irish international will miss the demanding festive fixture schedule, after his injury was confirmed as a hamstring tear.

Guzan reckons trying to thwart Villa’s six-goal hotshots Bent and Agbonlahor in training at Bodymoor Heath every day is the best practice he can get.

“People will talk about me not having played much Premier League football,” said Guzan, whose place on the substitutes’ bench on Saturday is expected to be taken by veteran third choice keeper Andy Marshall.

“But there’s no better preparation than facing the likes of Benty and Gabby every day.

“To be able to train with these guys, these are world-class strikers. It’s tremendous for me and my development.